Junior Specialist 40% variable, represented - Irrigation and Soils Lab at UC Coo
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Modesto, CA, United States
Position Overview
The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) is seeking a Junior Specialist to work in the Irrigation and Soils Lab at UC Cooperative Extension Stanislaus County.
Responsibilities
Conduct research and extension focused on improving water use efficiency in orchard and vineyard cropping systems.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary team.
Input and analyze data, report results.
Contribute to writing grant proposals and grant reports.
Ensure safety protocols are followed when operating and maintaining equipment and managing lab inventory.
Coordinate and participate in extension outreach efforts including workshops, training, and help develop educational materials.
Perform field data collection including stem water potential, soil water content, nut quality, yield, plant growth, etc.
Build, calibrate, and install sensors for in‑field plant‑based and environmental data collection.
Support general research improvement of agricultural water management in orchard and vineyard cropping systems in North San Joaquin Valley, and contribute to progress reports and manuscripts. The successful candidate will be actively involved in publishing research results, participating in research planning, implementation, and analysis, with opportunities for co‑authorship in research and extension publications, if desired.
Reporting Relationship The Junior Specialist will be administratively responsible to the UCCE Irrigation and Soils Advisor.
Location UCCE Stanislaus County, Modesto, California.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in water management, soil science, plant science, or a related field at the time of appointment.
Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Experience in field and lab data collection related to the topics of investigation.
Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever‑changing clientele and project needs.
This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. Flexible work agreements may be available upon approval.
Applicants must have unrestricted and permanent work authorization in the United States. No sponsorship.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions related to misconduct within the last seven years, or any investigations.
Skills Required
Professional Competence and Activity : Participate in outreach activities, help organize and conduct clientele meetings and field days, prepare extension publications, contribute to blogs, newsletters and other forms of outreach.
Communication : Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and public speaking communication skills. Communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences.
Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility : Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others; adapt as circumstances warrant; promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Lifelong Learning : Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self‑improvement.
About UC ANR Learn more about UC ANR Mission Statement, strategic initiatives, public value statements, civil rights compliance, inclusive excellence, and community principles.
Salary & Benefits Salary: Junior Specialist Rank, Step 1 – $26.35 to Step 2 – $28.07 hourly. Step placement based on experience. Non‑career track, 40% variable, one‑year appointment with possibility to extend. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.
How to Apply If interested, please visit UC Recruit and choose “applicants” (position #26‑10). Closing date: April 30 2026 (open until filled).
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae (most recent)
Cover Letter
Statement of Research and Extension Interests
College Level Transcripts
References (3, contact information only)
Contact Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu.
Equal Opportunity Statement The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Health and Safety As of Jan 1 2014, ANR is a smoke‑ and tobacco‑free environment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Conduct research and extension focused on improving water use efficiency in orchard and vineyard cropping systems.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary team.
Input and analyze data, report results.
Contribute to writing grant proposals and grant reports.
Ensure safety protocols are followed when operating and maintaining equipment and managing lab inventory.
Coordinate and participate in extension outreach efforts including workshops, training, and help develop educational materials.
Perform field data collection including stem water potential, soil water content, nut quality, yield, plant growth, etc.
Build, calibrate, and install sensors for in‑field plant‑based and environmental data collection.
Support general research improvement of agricultural water management in orchard and vineyard cropping systems in North San Joaquin Valley, and contribute to progress reports and manuscripts. The successful candidate will be actively involved in publishing research results, participating in research planning, implementation, and analysis, with opportunities for co‑authorship in research and extension publications, if desired.
Reporting Relationship The Junior Specialist will be administratively responsible to the UCCE Irrigation and Soils Advisor.
Location UCCE Stanislaus County, Modesto, California.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in water management, soil science, plant science, or a related field at the time of appointment.
Interest in and desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Experience in field and lab data collection related to the topics of investigation.
Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever‑changing clientele and project needs.
This is not a remote position. The candidate must be available to work onsite. Flexible work agreements may be available upon approval.
Applicants must have unrestricted and permanent work authorization in the United States. No sponsorship.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions related to misconduct within the last seven years, or any investigations.
Skills Required
Professional Competence and Activity : Participate in outreach activities, help organize and conduct clientele meetings and field days, prepare extension publications, contribute to blogs, newsletters and other forms of outreach.
Communication : Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and public speaking communication skills. Communicate and extend technical information to diverse audiences.
Collaboration, Teamwork and Flexibility : Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with others; adapt as circumstances warrant; promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Lifelong Learning : Demonstrated commitment to ongoing self‑improvement.
About UC ANR Learn more about UC ANR Mission Statement, strategic initiatives, public value statements, civil rights compliance, inclusive excellence, and community principles.
Salary & Benefits Salary: Junior Specialist Rank, Step 1 – $26.35 to Step 2 – $28.07 hourly. Step placement based on experience. Non‑career track, 40% variable, one‑year appointment with possibility to extend. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, paid sick leave, and paid holidays.
How to Apply If interested, please visit UC Recruit and choose “applicants” (position #26‑10). Closing date: April 30 2026 (open until filled).
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae (most recent)
Cover Letter
Statement of Research and Extension Interests
College Level Transcripts
References (3, contact information only)
Contact Contact Tatiana Avoce at tavoce@ucanr.edu.
Equal Opportunity Statement The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Health and Safety As of Jan 1 2014, ANR is a smoke‑ and tobacco‑free environment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr